Manslaughter charge in fatal Rt. 5 accident last summer

After an extensive investigation by the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office, working in conjunction with the Seneca County District Attorney’s Office an Oswego man is facing manslaughter and other charges after a fatal car accident last summer. The accident occurred near the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge on New York State Route 5.The accident occurred on August 9th when Ralph C. Brown, 57, of Oswego was operating his 2007 Ford F350 in the westbound lane while his ability was impaired. Investigators say that Brown crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic striking a 2008 Ford F150 that was being operated by Josiah Robin, 20, of Locke. The vehicles struck head-on in the eastbound lane. Brown’s vehicle came to rest on State Route 5 and Robin’s vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in the south ditch after turning over onto the driver’s side. Investigators say the Robin’s vehicle caught fire after coming to rest in the ditch, and as bystanders — as well as New York State Police — worked to extricate him, the vehicle became fully-engulfed. Those on scene were unable to extricate Robin from the vehicle before it became fully-engulfed and he died from injuries sustained during the fire and accident. Brown’s passenger was treated and released from Upstate Medical. However, Brown was hospitalized for a period of time. The roadway was closed for several hours as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene and accident.Brown was charged with manslaughter in the second degree — a class C felony, criminally negligent homicide — a class E felony, assault in the second degree — a class D felony, and assault in the third degree — a class A misdemeanor. He was also charged with additional traffic offenses. Those charges include reckless driving, driving while ability impaired, failure to keep right, failure to use designated lane and failure to yield one half of roadway.The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Brown was arraigned before Seneca County Superior Court Judge Bender on April 4th at 2 pm where he was ROR’d and is to appear at a later date for further court action.The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the York State Park police, Seneca County District Attorney’s Office, north Seneca ambulance, Magee, Seneca falls and red jacket fire departments, Seneca County Fire coordinators, Seneca falls police and state police.